New Museum Los Gatos announced July 11 that it received an unprecedented $1 million gift—the largest donation in the history of the organization.
The gift was made by Los Gatos philanthropists and longtime NUMU supporters Mike and Alyce Parsons.
The donation will establish the “Mike and Alyce Parsons Art Endowment,” and the interest from the endowment will generate income for the museum forever, as the principal will remain untouched.
“We are honored to be a part of the Parsons’ incredible legacy,” said NUMU Board President Jan Schwartz. “Thanks to Mike and Alyce’s sustained generosity, our museum will continue to grow and meet the needs of the Los Gatos community and beyond. We are extremely grateful for this level of visionary support.”
The Parsons have been ardent supporters of the museum for years. Their favorite program is NUMU’s Santa Clara County-wide juried exhibition of high school art, ArtNow, initiated 11 years ago.
“The entries are spectacular,” Mike Parsons said. “Many students have gone on to prestigious colleges, some focusing on art. Students come back to us saying they were motivated by the program to pursue further study in art. This has been very gratifying to see.”
Mike also served on NUMU’s Board of Directors from 2006 to 2018 and as board president in 2012.
“Those years were exciting times in the evolution of the museum,” he said. “We went from the old firehouse on the corner of Tait and Main to our current location alongside the town offices and library. The museum is blooming.”
The Parsons continue to support NUMU because they believe the museum is an important part of the culture and history of the local community.
“This endowment helps to ensure that the museum is around for future generations,” Mike Parson said. “This is a good way for Los Gatans to help support this important cultural cornerstone.”
While the Parsons’ gift will make a substantial impact on NUMU’s long term financial health, there remains a need for additional funding for day-to-day activities at the Museum. As NUMU takes on larger exhibition and programming initiatives, including art therapy for youth, exhibitions featuring emerging artists, and stewarding the Town’s collection of historic artifacts, there is still a great need for support to continue to make these initiatives possible and sustainable.
“Imagine the transformational impact subsequent large gifts can have on the lives of Los Gatos residents today and into the future,” NUMU Executive Director Ami Davis said. “This is only the beginning. NUMU is on track to being an indispensable destination for arts and culture in Los Gatos and throughout the Bay Area thanks to this incredible investment in our future.”
To inquire about donating, contact Davis at [email protected].
